Why doesn’t success bring happiness? | Laura Gassner Otting | TEDxReno
Each time we achieve success, we also envision and hunger for a potential that we never knew existed. It’s amazing, it’s exciting, it’s energizing; it’s wonderful. But it’s also anxiety-provoking, identity-shaking, and exhausting; it’s hell. Based on a two decade career in executive search interviewing thousands of the most successful people in the world, Laura Gassner Otting explains why success doesn’t bring happiness, and how to take advantage of the “wonderhell” that it presents instead.
Laura Gassner Otting has spent 25 years studying leaders and stewarding them through massive moments of career and life shift, whether as a political appointee in Bill Clinton’s White House, the founder and president of an international executive search firm, or in her current role as an author and keynote speaker. Her last book “Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life” was a Washington Post bestseller and was named by Robin Roberts as one of Good Morning America’s Favorite Books of the Year. She is a regular contributor to The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and Harvard Business Review. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Пікірлер: 647
This is a great example of why highly motivated and busy people need to do a whole lot of work on their inner selves. In my experience people stay that busy because they're trying to outrun something within themselves and THAT is why they'll never be happy. Do the inner work friends.
@DrishtiRaval17
Жыл бұрын
often times we stay busy to distract ourselves from our own inner struggles. Doing the inner work is a brave and important step towards self-discovery and growth.
@nestermaratos1070
Жыл бұрын
taking the time to focus on our inner selves is key to unlocking our full potential and finding true happiness, regardless of how busy and motivated we are.
@tuckerr2165
Жыл бұрын
I think it's important to prioritize self-reflection and inner work, especially for highly motivated and busy people. It's a crucial step towards personal growth and happiness.
@Benjamin-yh9mr
Жыл бұрын
One very useful talk. It is so true for anyone who has achieved success. The potential and excitement of success can also bring feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. 🙂
@juliosester281
Жыл бұрын
I appreciate the honesty in this video. Success can be both wonderful and overwhelming, but it's important to embrace both sides of the journey.
Success is not hitting the top of the mountain, it is the journey of climbing it
@moringaottawa
Жыл бұрын
For many they only realize this in hindsight.
@naveenswarnkar4180
Жыл бұрын
Enjoying the Journey, is the ultimate source of Happiness!
@adam-cooper
Жыл бұрын
Very cool perspective
Success is an ever evolving journey and not a destination so we always want more. Spot on.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Michael, I appreciate you watching!
Wow what she talks about around the 6:30 mark seems insane to me. Are you really saying that none of those people stopped for a second to just enjoy all they had achieved? Because... I just don't believe that.
@juliosester281
Жыл бұрын
Success can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from loved ones and community.👍
@tuckerr2165
Жыл бұрын
Success can also create a fear of losing what has been achieved, leading to stress and anxiety.
@fortunaterbush8607
Жыл бұрын
It's definitely possible that the individuals in question were driven by a need for success and recognition, leading them to not take the time to appreciate what they've accomplished.
@shayneb226
Жыл бұрын
I completely understand your skepticism, but it's important to consider the individual's perspective and experiences. Some people may have a harder time appreciating their achievements due to internal struggles and a constant drive for success.
@riciphariss107
Жыл бұрын
This is a much-needed conversation. Society puts so much pressure on success, it's refreshing to hear someone address the issue.
It must be so exhausting to be this driven. This constant need for success and validation... can we please just get back to knowing that everything we need to be happy is inside us already?
@Benjamin-yh9mr
Жыл бұрын
In my opinion success can never bring you joy if you do not know how to value the smaller things in life first
@zelmacastricone1228
Жыл бұрын
This comment might spread some awerness. I really wish it does to be honest
@TRIGO_ALLINE
Жыл бұрын
I feel so bad for people that think that is the only way to be recognized
@Benjamin-yh9mr
Жыл бұрын
My way of thinking is, if it has to be it will, no matter how much you force things.
@oralladucayne8008
Жыл бұрын
success can be a very scary thing
"The burden of your potential" - I love that phrase so much. It's like the little voice inside your head that's both calling you out and also encouraging you at the same time. I'm writing that on a post-it note and putting it in my office.
@moringaottawa
Жыл бұрын
I wonder if this is an experience that resonates more for individuals who've been framed as the golden child in their family? Their value and worth has been attached to their golden trophies for so long that it's difficult to have self value without those adjacent trophies and relevance. Just thinking out loud
@toby8139
Жыл бұрын
me too! post it note going up right now
@deutschmitpurple2918
Жыл бұрын
I totally agree with you
@thequinnquinn
Жыл бұрын
Really? I found it kind of rude to be honest lol
@thefirstrebecca
Жыл бұрын
It's definitely a powerful phrase. It doesn't exactly inspire me but I'm glad it's doing something for you!
"The burden of potential"!! Fantastic talk by a brilliant thinker! Go LGO GOOO!!!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Oh, wow, Erin. Thank you!
"Wonderhell" resonates. The gap between "I know why I was put on the planet" and doing that thing, is excruciating. And, never narrows, it only widens! Congratulations Laura Gassner Otting. 👏
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Gena! This is exactly it. It never narrows, only widens!
Indeed, Happiness is a Decision! Success is a Decision! Courage is a Decision! But Attitude is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice we make makes us. May your choices reflect your Hopes and may all your decisions lead you to the right places 🖖
@XandieFireman
Жыл бұрын
what is the difference between a decision and a choice?
@hunterkudo9832
Жыл бұрын
@@XandieFireman I was wondering the same thing Choice relates to a desired intention, values and beliefs. Decision relaes to behavior, performance and consequences.
I feel like I've been hearing about 'burn-out' since after the first lock down and really just dismissed it as one of the new buzz words but man, when I did eventually burn out the way it affects your mental health is no joke, truly. Look after yourselves everyone ❤
@turboslayer5995
Жыл бұрын
I've been affected by burnout and it is really tough. hard to explain to others, though
@ca-it-lin-ro-ss
Жыл бұрын
Yeah absolutely easy to dismiss but really knocks you about when you experience it personally. Important to realize that's what's happening to you though and then take the time to repair yourself.
@wildajjones4674
Жыл бұрын
I can completely relate to your experience. It's easy to dismiss burnout as just another buzzword, but when it hits you, it's a whole different story. It's so important to prioritize self-care and take breaks when needed to avoid reaching that point.
@JohnjWard
Жыл бұрын
Prioritize self-care💪
@DuncanY.Madrid
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experience and raising awareness about burnout. It's important for us to have open and honest conversations about our mental health and the struggles we face.
Some Kind Of Wonderhell! What an inspiration ❤ I am not at all biased
It’s never the final success that brings me the happiness, but it’s the journey. Who I become and what I achieve in the process is where the success is, not the outcome exactly.
Thank you for this valuable reminder, Laura.
If anyone is reading the comments, Laura is the real deal! I love this talk so much! I feel this talk so much! I LIVE and LOVE my WONDERHELL and have loved witnessing yours! Ahhhh holy duality! It's the best, it's life, it's us!
@kabugogua
Жыл бұрын
Nice comments
@GOD999MODE
Жыл бұрын
It’s the power of public speaking. It’s a skill that she’s clearly honed.
The burden of my potential is my comfort zone. I push myself all the time to go out of it. Nowadays i realized that i've changed a lot in my life and achieved better results i expected. For being happy the best way is to expand our mindset and overcome fears
Perfect useful speech! Nice, discrete but splendide outfit!
Probably the same reason money doesn't bring happiness - in the pursuit of such things we lose sight of the things that really matter... family, connection, simple joy, moments of mindfulness... All for status, legacy, to feel respected by others even if we don't respect ourselves.
@riciphariss107
Жыл бұрын
Happiness is subjective and can't be defined by external standards of success.
@jefbertoncini5220
Жыл бұрын
The constant pursuit of success can lead to burnout and a lack of fulfillment.😌
@tuckerr2165
Жыл бұрын
Success can be isolating, disconnecting us from the things that truly matter - our relationships, our communities, and our sense of purpose. When we're constantly striving for success, we may neglect the people and experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment. It's important to remember that true success is not just about what we achieve, but also about who we become and the impact we have on others.
@jaredkonyn5236
Жыл бұрын
Happiness is a choice and can't be attained through external accomplishments alone.
@JayneTata302
Жыл бұрын
The constant pursuit of success can lead to burnout and a lack of fulfillment. We're so focused on achieving our goals that we forget to enjoy the journey. Success becomes a chore rather than a celebration, and we lose the sense of wonder and curiosity that makes life worth living.
Listen to Laura’s message! Well, if you want to have a better life and understand WonderHell!
Great, quotable talk full of practical tips for how to navigate "wonderhell" and make the most of your opportunities and life.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Mac. As someone who works with people all day to help them find their dream job, I know you know a lot of people who are in Wonderhell.
"The burden of your potential plunks its weight on your shoulders and demands that you carry it around with you at all times." - Just one of a number of great takeaways from this video presentation by Laura.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jim. I'm so glad that struck a chord with you.
I love the concept of the "burden of potential". I talk a lot about how visibility equals opportunity (business, career and personal.) But not everyone wants what visibility and opportunity brings to their doorstep. It's a huge amount of responsibility and more work. It's not a destination unto itself and we need to consider the costs of that opportunity and the potential. Bravo, Laura!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Bobbie. I appreciate you watching and sharing what stood out to you.
@theluisquinn
Жыл бұрын
burden of potential as an idea really hit me hard. it's something i've had in my head for a while but hadnt really found the words for
In my opinion happiness is a personal and unique experience for each of us that continuously changes over the course of our lives.
@thequinnquinn
Жыл бұрын
This is a really good point actually. What makes me happy now is completely different to my teens
@cedrickdroui
Жыл бұрын
I've also experienced this
@mountain-climber
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps or perhaps we have more control of it than that.
“Burden of potential”… Brilliant talk by a brilliant and insightful speaker/author. Can’t wait to read her next book!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Alam. I can't wait for you to read it, either!
I love that! Success as waypoint not as an endpoint! Bring on Wonderhell!
@lauraotting
Жыл бұрын
BRING. IT. ON.
i gotta say, i still find it amazing how success is defined different through so many parts of the world. i like pushing myself, but I don't like parading around when i've achieved something.
EGO + "the Burden of Potential" = the message I needed to hear today. More please about Wonderhell .... so so good!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
I can't wait to share the book with you, Anne Marie.
What a terrific talk! Her poise, her way with words, are magical. Two of my favorite quotes are --- 1. Do you know why internal candidates always leave if they don't get the job? Because the very process of interviewing for the bigger job means that once they saw themselves in this new way, even if for a moment, they couldn't unsee themselves in this new way. 2. Instead of seeing success as an end point, but a way point, not a final destination, but as a portal to what is possible.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Whitney, I'm honored. Thank you for watching, and pulling out these quotes as meaningful to you.
Laura’s first book absolutely changed my career! Can’t wait to read Wonderhell!!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Wow, Marcy. Thank you so much. Can't wait for you to read Wonderhell!
Laura not only gives a good talk, she also walks the walk. Wishing her more “Wonderhell” moments!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Marlo, thank you! I'm honored that you took the time to watch.
Thank you for being so honest and candid about your journey Laura ❤
I love how she brings ego into this. Not one time I ever considered my ego being part of my achievements. This was fantastic!
@thequinnquinn
Жыл бұрын
Same! Definitely making me think twice
@tarahjaiden1680
Жыл бұрын
I got that too from this!
@thefirstrebecca
Жыл бұрын
Really? Never?
I love your energy and I love the real talk here
@lauraotting
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Tiff! All I know how to do is real talk. I think that’s why we get along. :)
Listening to this again and again! I can so relate to every single point! Congratulations on the most incredible TEDx talk LGO!!!
'Wonderhell'......this SHOULD now be in the DICTIONARY. 'The Burden off your Potential'...WOW what a phrase, it has MUCH power...on MANY levels
Otting's talk offers valuable insights into the relationship between success and happiness.
Hands down one of THE best talks I have ever seen! Let’s embrace the WONDER of our potential and success!!!!
@astroboirap
Жыл бұрын
give it a rest amberly
I watched this talk a week ago and have been ruminating ever since. The idea that once we are introduced to something better for ourselves, we live there whether it comes to fruition or not is revolutionary! I think this will shape my thinking forever! Thank you LGO!!!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Peta. It's such an uncomfortable truth, right?
amazing talk
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Best outfit ever.
Happiness should not related to success, success comes and goes, Happiness is indispensable to survive and seek for success.
How to hold seemingly opposing forces at the same time. I love the honesty and realness of this piece. Listen to it again and again. I can't wait for the book.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Carolyn, thank you! I'm so glad that this talk resonated with you. Holding two things at once is so confusing.
So happy to know this is out - can't wait to watch! Congrats, Laura!
Laura’s got both the insight and the personal experiences along with challenges and obstacles to speak from a point of personal reflection which is rare among most speaker/experts. She’s lived it. Bravo.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Swoon, that means so much coming from KZread's first viral celebrity.
Happiness is achieved when we realise we have enough. Instead of more, more, more until we die, at some point we should say to ourselves, enough is enough. Then we can be happy. Then we can enjoy the fruits of our labour, enjoy what we have.
You're spot on Laura, couldn't agree more.
With an inspiring talk like this I am in awe of her power! I want to read all her books!!!
Awesome talk Laura! Really enjoyed you walking us through your personal experiences and shedding some light on the topic.
You control your inner world, that's where true happiness is found.
This is a great question and I really hoped that Laura had the answers but her experience is just so very different to mine that I couldn't relate. So, I guess we all have different definitions and markers for success. If we're looking for everyone to perceive us as successful and get self value that way well it's just not going to work
Laura, this is fantastic! I’ve experienced “wonderhell” but never had a word for it. Thank you!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Heather! It's the perfect word, right?
WONDERHELL. Such a great way to describe this space between. So fantastic, LGO! Well done!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Swoon. When one of your favorite writers likes one of your favorite words... huzzah!
Man...this hit home. Lots to immediately apply here. Love this talk!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Chris! Love that this resonated with you.
Thank you Laura for being so candid about the way your achievements don't always equal happiness. It can't be easy to reflect on your life in this way and then talk about it in front of so many strangers/the entire internet
One of the most practical and energizing talks I've listened to. Wow.
Thanks Laura !!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome, Salem! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Great job, Laura!
Otting's talk on the relationship between success and happiness is a breath of fresh air in a culture that often prioritizes achievement over wellbeing. As she points out, true happiness comes from living a life that aligns with our values and passions, rather than just accumulating wealth, status, or achievements. Her message is a powerful reminder to prioritize what truly matters in life.😌
Laura, I appreciate that with this plethora of experience in the corporate world that you're being so transparent about what you're learning. I've found that by labelling any of my experiences has usually ended up in comparison or self-critical. I admire anyone who can relish in the chaos.
She’s a really good public speaker. Most of what she said is self evident, but she has a way of making you feel like you’re discovering something profound.
Love this. Very thoughtful and great timing.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Mike, I'm so glad it resonated with you.
Profound and so right! Thanks for this Laura - worth a listen.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Shelli, I appreciate you taking time to watch.
@deutschmitpurple2918
Жыл бұрын
True 👍👍
I've accomplished things I never thought possible. Success feels incredible, and it opens doors I never even imagined. But it also fuels my hunger for more. It's a constant drive that pushes me to set bigger goals and achieve even greater things.
it's definitely a bit of a bummer to achieve something and then have that feeling fade away within a couple of days. good talk Laura!
This is 100% accurate depiction of success! Thank you ❤
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Bobby, thank you. I'm so glad my talk resonated with you.
Grateful to TEDx ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love this premise. Really got me thinking about my own relationship between success, potential, and happiness.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jay, I'm so honored that you took the time to watch, and that it resonated with you.
All the best for your small and big success in your future
Great insights into life and accomplishments… and it’s limitations
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Oh, John, thank you so much.
Amazing talk, Laura! I'm bookmarking it for the next time I'm in wonderhell.
Loved this!
You are a powerful speaker, and your talk has inspired me.
I have been questioning my view of what it means to be successful and this is definitely shedding some light on that for me. Thank you Laura
I think it's important we define "success" - because it truly looks different for each person. There is the success we have been taught about, conditioned to strive for and then there is the success of our species. There's a HUGE difference I think. Do we as a human need to be ALL the things? Do we need to reach our "full potential" based on some narritive that's been tearing families and communities apart for too long, just to make a buck, to have a legacy that helps the ego to feel as if it's accomplished something...
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more. This is actually the subject of my last book, Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life.
Right on the mark! Great talk!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Richard. I know you've been in Wonderhell too.
She is awesome, great talk!
Now here are some very good truths about life and success. And I have to wonder, where did I learn such negativity and fear in the realms of success.
@58vette
Жыл бұрын
true...
I've encountered imposter syndrome, doubt, and vulnerability at every stage of my journey. But I didn't let those feelings hold me back. I pushed through and emerged stronger.
Listen to these words folks!! And if you like what you hear pick up a copy of her book “Limitless”. Especially if you’re currently feeling stuck!
It's exciting to see someone like Laura Gassner Otting sharing her knowledge and experience through speaking engagements, books, and media appearances. Her insights have the potential to make a real difference in people's lives.
This is the perfect next evolutionary 'waypoint' of the Limitless track. LGO continues to pace ahead and make the way to and through what is possible easier. If you got this far being Limitless then you should join me looking forward to more on WonderHell and beyond.
@lauraotting
Жыл бұрын
Yes, Anne! Wonderhell will definitely be a part two for those who loved Limitless. I can’t wait to share it with you.
Laura manages to capture an indescribable feeling that at once motivates me and at the same time paralyzes me! Incredible! Inspirational!
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Ilona, Wonderhell seemed like a better option than paralyzovation, right?
I don't know about being happy but i think i want to be satisfied. When, where or how long would it take, doesn't matter. If by the end, i'll look back and remember everything with a smile on my face. Then, maybe i have lived it all.
I've never chosen to chase "success" in the way she's talking about - the constant opening of doors and such - and I've been consistently happy in my life.
Thanks Laura for the laugh out load moment at 6:19 when you asked about an "energy crystal".
This is such an insightful perspective on success and the potential it brings. It's important to recognize the duality of success and how it can be both exhilarating and daunting. I can't wait to read Laura Gassner Otting's book and learn more about how to navigate the wonderhell that comes with achieving our goals.
What a great talk! Like others, I also love "the burden of your potential" phrase. Additionally, I like the part where once you see your potential, you can't unsee it.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Yes, Janet, yes! We are all in Wonderhell together.
Wonderful talk Laura, I hope you are now at a place where you can be happy within all your successes.
Thanks Laura for a new word "wonderhell". Success is wonderful and heII at the same time.
@heyLGO
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Julian!
Needed to hear this today, am sharing now!
I am so glad that I never got caught on the "perfect and success" train. How depleting to measure one's accomplishments by their achievements!
I love this talk and I am now a fan of her!
An interesting and thought-provoking talk. Too many people are too focused on an artificial success, an end point that doesn't exist and certainly doesn't define success. It's so important to enjoy the journey.
Great message Laura, great talk!
It's super important to allow yourself to enjoy all the victories, especially the small ones.
Wanting more is encoded in our DNA. I was once told that if I'm not moving towards a new goal, I was stagnant and dying.
Wow okay I kind of struggled at the start but one I pushed through I found so much inspiration in this talk. Thank you Laura!
I think it comes down to what we allow ourselves to feel. Very easy to open all those doors and keep looking through MORE doors while being happy the whole time instead of stressed and anxious.
Very smart and effective talk! BRAVO!
Happiness means different things for each of us. I've always thought it's a state of being, a mindset or attitude. I can make it myself.
Loved your talk
Good job Laura, this video is a good eye opener for everyone here